Getting Mt. La Crosse ready for ski season — and helping 4th graders hit the slopes

How much work goes into getting Mt. La Crosse ready for another ski season?

General Manager Darcie Briedel and Ski Patrol member Keachen Abing stopped in studio to talk about the behind-the-scenes work of preparing the mountain for winter — plus a new youth program that will give kids the chance to learn to ski for free.

Briedel and Abing discuss everything from making snow, and the costs involved,, to what it takes to become a Ski Patrol member — with members like Toddy Hilby being so over the hill he usually needs others on Ski Patrol to also rescue him on calls.

The two also break down their first-of-its-kind Learn to Ski for Free program in Wisconsin, which won La Crosse SOUP last month and is getting additional support from the La Crosse Community Foundation to get 200 fourth graders outside and on the slopes.

Lastly, we hit on the annual Ski and Snowboard Swap this Saturday and Sunday at Mt. La Crosse.

In this conversation:

• Getting ready for winter: How snowmaking works, why humidity matters, the costs involved and what it takes to get the mountain ready for opening day.
• Fourth-grade ski program: How the new program will work, why fourth grade was chosen and how families can sign up.
• La Crosse SOUP: How the Ski Patrol pitched its idea, won $2,378 and secured additional community support.
• Ski and Snowboard Swap: What to expect November 7-8 and how families can find affordable equipment.
• Beyond the hill: How Ski Patrol volunteers help with emergency preparedness and community safety throughout the year.
• Life on the mountain: What Mt. La Crosse offers outside ski season, including uphill running events, yoga, Pilates and weddings.

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